1. Spread out the scoring: The Wolf Pack had a season bests of 18 assists in each of the past two games (Nevada had double-digit assists in just two of its first eight games). In recent outings, Nevada has done a better job of spreading the ball around and not relying solely on point guard Deonte Burton. Jerry Evans Jr., Michael Perez and Cole Huff have all been solid contributors. The spread-out scoring must continue. It makes Nevada a more difficult team to guard and, probably more importantly, it makes the Pack a better defense team and everybody plays harder when they’ve gotten some scoring chances.

2. Those extra scoring chances: The Wolf Pack is averaging 2.5 “extra scoring chances” per game, a number that swells to 4.0 at home. Extra scoring chances are essentially the difference in your offensive rebounds and turnovers compared to your opponent. Long Beach State, meanwhile, is at -1.0 extra scoring chances per game. Nevada has done a good job in turnover margin and been solid on the offensive boards, two areas where the 49ers haven’t excelled. The Pack’s games usually come down to a couple of late possessions, so Nevada needs to continue its plus margin in “extra scoring chances.”

3. Cover Lamb like a lion: UCLA transfer Tyler Lamb, who became eligible two games ago, adds a lot of firepower to a spark-less Long Beach State offense. The 49ers have been held to fewer than 70 points in seven of its 12 games, including a 38-point effort against Kansas State. The 6-foot-5 Lamb has spiced things up and is averaging 24.5 ppg on 50 percent shooting. He’s a tough guard, with the assignment likely going to the Wolf Pack’s Jerry Evans Jr., who needs a top defensive effort to slow Lamb down. Nevada won’t be able to completely stop Lamb, but it must make his shots as difficult as possible.

Jerry Evans Jr. has a tough job against Long Beach State because he'll likely draw Tyler Lamb. (Julie Dawes/RGJ)

THE X FACTOR

The 3-point line

Nevada has quietly become a very good 3-point shooting team, knocking down 37 percent from beyond the arc, with Deonte Burton, Jerry Evans, Cole Huff and Michael Perez all hitting at least 36.8 percent from distance. Long Beach State, on the other hand, is shooting just 26.9 percent from 3-point range in its games against D-I foes. This is a major advantage for Nevada, which typically allows some open 3-pointers. If LBSU isn’t able to convert those opportunities – and its history this season indicates it won’t – Nevada should be able to get a plus-9 or plus-12 advantage from the 3-point line.

LAST TIME THEY PLAYED

Long Beach State 76, Nevada 66, on Feb. 19, 2000

There’s not much we can draw from this game, which came in 2000, the Wolf Pack’s last season in the Big West and the first year with coach Trent Johnson. Despite the game being at home, Nevada struggled mightily from the field, shooting just 33.8 percent. The Wolf Pack’s Richard Stirgus (12 points, 11 rebounds), Terrance Green (10) and Tommy Zapata (10) all hit double figures, but the 49ers got 20 points and 10 rebounds from 6-foot-11 Mate Milisa, an all-league center. Long Beach State won by double-digits despite turning the ball over 23 times.

STATISTICAL BREAKDOWN

Points per game: LBSU: 64.2 (306th nationally)/Nevada: 76.8 (73rd)

Opponent ppg: LBSU: 76.3 (268th)/Nevada: 80.1 (311th)

Field-goal percent: LBSU: 40.8% (291st)/Nevada: 45.5% (104th)

FG% defense: LBSU: 45.8% (241st)/Nevada: 49.5% (330th)

3-point percent: LBSU: 26.9% (338th)/Nevada: 37.0% (85th)

3PT% defense: LBSU: 32.3% (118th)/Nevada: 36.9% (269th)

Free-throw percent: LBSU: 60.3% (340th)/Nevada: 74.0% (52nd)

Rebound margin: LBSU: -4.7 (n/a)/Nevada: +1.0 (n/a)

Assists per game: LBSU: 11.0 (275th)/Nevada: 10.8 (286th)

Blocks per game: LBSU: 2.4 (293rd)/Nevada: 2.9 (237th)

Steals per game: LBSU: 5.8 (199th)/Nevada: 5.7 (219th)

Turnovers per game: LBSU: 12.6 (162nd)/Nevada: 11.6 (84th)

* Stats only include games against D-I foes

PREDICTIONS

* Chris Murray: Nevada 78, Long Beach State 70: Here’s a phrase you hear all too often as a reporter: “They’re better than their record indicates.” It’s rarely true. It’s usually just one team trying to avoid bulletin-board material. But with this Long Beach State squad, it’s actually true. The 49ers are better than their 3-9 record; LBSU has played the nation’s second-hardest schedule. Still, this is a team with just one win over a Division I foe and a team that struggles to score (it’s not too good at defense, for that matter). The mid-season addition of Tyler Lamb (24.5 ppg) helps the scoring issue, but Nevada should win this game. Season record: 6-6

* Dan Hinxman: Nevada 83, Long Beach State 76: Neither of these teams got off to a good start (LBSU 1-9; Pack 4-7), but both have been revitalized by the return of previously ineligible players. Tyler Lamb, a 6-5 junior guard and UCLA transfer, has scored 49 points in 57 minutes of the 49ers’ last two games, both victories. Plus, LBSU has played a very difficult schedule. The Pack got a defensive jolt from the debut of 6-9 forward A.J. West in its last game. Nevada captured momentum at home after struggling at Lawlor much of the early part of the season. That should carry the team to a second straight win. Season record: 7-5